BIS Certification for Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers Exposed to Heat – IS 15748:2022

Introduction

Protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat plays a critical role in safeguarding human life in high-risk environments such as foundries, steel plants, glass manufacturing units, refineries, power plants, and heavy engineering industries.

To regulate quality, performance, and safety, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made BIS ISI Mark Certification mandatory for such protective garments under IS 15748:2022 – Textiles: Protective Clothing for Industrial Workers Exposed to Heat.

Standphill India, a leading BIS certification consultancy in India, assists manufacturers and importers in achieving full compliance under this standard through end-to-end certification support.

What Is IS 15748:2022?

IS 15748:2022 is the Indian Standard that specifies technical requirements, test methods, and performance criteria for protective clothing used by industrial workers exposed to heat. The standard ensures certified products offer:

Resistance against radiant heat
Protection from convective heat
Safety from contact heat
Defense against molten metal splashes
Flame spread resistance
Fabric durability and comfort

The standard balances thermal insulation, breathability, flexibility, and ergonomics for optimal worker protection.

Scope and Applicability

Scope of IS 15748:2022

1. Applicable to outer garments made of flexible materials
2. Covers garments protecting specific body parts
3. Includes hoods and gaiters
4. Ensures balance between thermal insulation, breathability, flexibility, and ergonomics

Exclusions under the Standard

1. Firefighter protective clothing
2. Welding protective clothing
3. Head, hand, and foot protection equipment

Key Industries Using Certified Protective Clothing

Protective clothing certified under IS 15748:2022 is essential for:

1. Foundries and metal casting industries
2. Steel plants and rolling mills
3. Glass manufacturing units
4. Oil refineries and petrochemical plants
5. Thermal power plants
6. Heavy engineering and forging industries
7. Welding and metal fabrication units

Key Aspects of IS 15748:2022

1. Safety Requirements

Radiant heat resistance
Convective heat protection
Contact heat resistance
Molten metal splash protection

2. Performance Requirements

Flame spread resistance
Fabric durability and tear strength
Thermal insulation properties
Breathability and comfort

3. Testing and Compliance

Mandatory laboratory testing at BIS-approved labs
Factory quality control and routine inspections
BIS surveillance audits after certification
Ongoing compliance monitoring

Mandatory Tests for BIS Certification (IS 15748:2022)

Products must pass the following BIS-prescribed tests:

1. Radiant heat resistance test
2. Convective heat resistance test
3. Contact heat resistance test
4. Molten metal splash resistance test
5. Flame spread test
6. Fabric durability and strength tests
7. Ergonomic and comfort performance tests

Only products that successfully pass all applicable tests are eligible for the ISI Mark.

BIS Certification Overview – At a Glance

BIS QCO for Protective Textiles (2022)

Under the Protective Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2022, issued under Sections 16, 17, and 25 of the BIS Act, 2016, all protective clothing covered under IS 15748:2022:

Must bear the ISI Mark
Must be manufactured under a valid BIS license
Cannot be sold, imported, or distributed without certification
Subject to penalties for non-compliance

Penalty for Non-Compliance:

Seizure of non-certified goods
Heavy financial penalties
Prohibition on sale or import
Legal action under BIS Act, 2016

BIS Certification Timeline

For Indian Manufacturers

Approximate Timeline: ~30 Days
Subject to complete documentation and successful testing

For Foreign Manufacturers (FMCS)

Approximate Timeline: ~180 Days
Includes FMCS registration, factory inspection, and Indian lab testing

(Timeline may vary based on factory readiness, testing results, and documentation accuracy.)

Features of Certified Protective Clothing

BIS-certified protective clothing under IS 15748:2022 offers:

1. Lightweight construction with good drape
2. High durability and long service life
3. Fire and flame resistance
4. Thermal insulation properties
5. UV resistance for outdoor applications
6. Air permeability for comfort
7. Resistance to bacteria and chemicals
8. Protection against extreme working environments

Benefits of BIS Certification for Protective Clothing

For Manufacturers

1. Legal authorization to sell in India
2. Increased credibility with industrial buyers
3. Eligibility for government and PSU tenders
4. Competitive advantage in safety-critical sectors
5. Enhanced brand reputation and market access

For Industrial Users

1. Assured worker safety and compliance
2. Reliable heat and flame resistance
3. Long product life and consistent performance
4. Compliance with occupational safety norms
5. Reduced risk of workplace accidents

Why Choose Standphill India for BIS Certification?

Standphill India is a trusted BIS certification consultant with extensive experience in protective textiles, PPE, and technical textile compliance.

Our Services Include:

1. Standard interpretation and applicability analysis
2. Documentation and application filing
3. Factory audit preparation and support
4. Laboratory coordination and testing support
5. License grant and post-certification compliance
6. Single-window solutions for Indian and foreign manufacturers

With proven expertise and a track record of successful certifications, Standphill India ensures a smooth, efficient, and compliant certification process.

Client Success Story: MARYAN APPAREL PRIVATE LIMITED

Conclusion

BIS certification under IS 15748:2022 is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of protective clothing for industrial workers exposed to heat. With increasing enforcement and strict penalties, manufacturers must act proactively to secure ISI certification.

If you are a manufacturer or importer of protective clothing for heat exposure, partnering with Standphill India ensures a smooth, compliant, and time-bound BIS certification process, enabling you to confidently access the Indian market while ensuring worker safety.